**EDITOR’S NOTE: This story is being published late after it was submitted due to a backup within the sports desk. This story was submitted before the club rugby’s contest against South Carolina.**

The Kentucky Wildcats are ready for the challenge to compete for a second consecutive rugby title as the SCRC Tournament is underway.

With a regular season record of 7-0, the Wildcats secured a first-round bye in the competition.

After winning the SCRC championship last year with a score of 32-12 against the Tennessee Volunteers and finishing the regular season this year undefeated, the Wildcats enter this year’s tournament with high expectations.

For starters, the Wildcats obtained a first-round bye thanks to their record, which automatically puts them in the semifinals in which they’ll get its first appearance in this year’s SCRC tournament. Throughout the years the Cats have played a high level of rugby on both sides of the ball, which helped them obtain that undefeated season and receive that first round bye. 

One notable strength from the regular season from the Cats is finishing strong. Throughout the games played during the regular season, the Cats would have slow starts on both sides of the ball, but as the games progressed, the team would get better and better and wouldn’t slow down, which led them to victories. 

With head Kentucky Head Coach Sam Enari already having a national championship under his belt, he is no stranger to be a participant in this tournament, with the only question remaining being what it will take for a second-straight victory.

Since the expectations are so high for the Cats, there is no room for error.

Going back to back for a national championship is no easy task and coming off a bye might even be a disadvantage for the Cats, but they’ll come into the tournament hungry and ready to compete for another title.

If Kentucky keeps playing the way it’s been playing in the regular season, which helped get it the position that it is currently in, there shouldn’t be a problem that gets in its path.

Kentucky rugby will look to win its SCRC opener against South Carolina at 698 Sports Center Drive on Nov. 2.

**Kentucky rugby defeated South Carolina 29-15 to advance to face Clemson in the SCRC Championship.**